23/09/2018
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Thank you to PervySageChuck for betaing.
The Cardinal of Sin
Chapter 6 Spoils of War Part 1
-cos-
Great Tomb of Nazarick, Ninth Floor, Ainz' Office
"We are nearly ready, my Lord."
Ainz nodded to the undead who had relayed the message. He was in his office, working through papers that had spawned in his absence. Every time he left, they somehow multiplied. He would think it was magic, but he knew, from his time as a salaryman that this was normal.
The fight in Kami Miyako had been yesterday. The Cardinals and other guests had spent the night in Nazarick. Aura was asleep in her bed. There were a whole host of monitoring spells on her, as well as undead watching her. If she woke up, there would not be a repeat of yesterday.
Now, however, the Cardinals were being gathered, along with some of the other guests. Not the animals who had attacked Aura, or those they loved. They would be dealt with soon enough but not today.
"Please send Shalltear in," he instructed, still working. These weren't important decisions. They were routine things but he still had to attend to them. He didn't bother listening to the undead's reply. It would obey. That was one thing he was assured of.
A few minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Pestonya answered it. "Shalltear Bloodfallen, my Lord," she announced a moment later.
Ainz looked up as the vampire entered. The Cardinals and the others were being gathered and he intended to hand the Black Scripture to Shalltear today. But they were not to see her beforehand. She had been disappointed in his orders only for a moment before she realized what it meant but he could see she was confused about being called now. Pleased, because every member of Nazarick loved being in his presence, but confused.
"Shalltear," he greeted her. "You are ready?"
"Of course, my Lord!" she replied with a smile. "I am pleased I can finally face those who caused my betrayal."
Ainz nodded as he sat back in his chair. He let his eyes examine Shalltear. She was wearing her regular dress. The ruffles accentuated her shape but did leave it clear that she was flat chested. Peroroncino really did have many fetishes. That wasn't what he wanted to think about now. "You are garbed for the encounter?" He asked as delicately as he could.
Shalltear frowned. Ainz had to admit it was an odd question and was thankful that his undead face could not show his embarrassment. "Yes, my Lord," she told him, looking down at her dress. She was obviously checking to see if it was dirty.
"I have something more suitable," Ainz said, pulling out one of the drawers of his desk. He reached into it and placed a box on his desk. Usually this would be in the Treasury, but he wanted it for today and no one was going to deny him this. He undid the ribbon on the box, and then took the lid off. There was tissue paper in the box. It rustled as he moved it aside to reach in and pull out the soft garment that was folded within.
"I think you would be better in this," Ainz said, holding up the white fabric. It seemed to glow, even in his hands.
Shalltear's blood red eyes widened. She recognized the garment. "My Lord?" she breathed incredulously.
"I think that for this meeting, it is the most appropriate garment for you."
A smile spread across her features. It was bright and vicious and her canines caught on her lip with the motion. She reached out with trembling hands to take the offered garment. "You are too generous, my Lord." Her small hand fixed on it. The fabric shimmered as Ainz let go. The garment became longer. It was a World Item.
"On the contrary, I think this is just right," Ainz replied, waving one hand. "I will let you get changed," he said, dismissing the vampire.
"Or course, my Lord!" Shalltear said, going to one knee briefly. She rose, and practically skipped out of his office.
Ainz smiled, though the expression could not be seen. Hopefully everything else today would be as pleasurable.
-cos-
Great Tomb of Nazarick, Tenth Floor, Throne Room
The Captain of the Black Scripture, Seraiah Ruzzier Isaev Kysely didn't know where he was. He knew he'd been captured, and it was a bit of a surprise to wake up. He was thankful for it. While he lived, there was a chance for victory. He would not go before the Six Gods without trying everything.
He could feel that he was shackled. The position wasn't that hard on him but he was fit. And there was something over his head. When he'd opened his eyes he hadn't seen anything and it wasn't just because the room was dark. Seraiah had closed his eyes again.
He relied on his other senses. If he'd left his eyes open, he would have focused on what he couldn't see. He knew what his mind would do. It would not be productive. That's why he didn't even try to use his eyes. If the mask, or whatever was obscuring his vision was removed, it would take a few moments for his eyes to adjust, but that would happen anyway.
He could hear the murmur of speech. It didn't appear to be human speech, but he could understand the words. Whatever was speaking, and there appeared to be many creatures, they were talking about the Sorcerer King. And they appeared to be waiting.
Surreptitiously, Seraiah tested the bonds holding him. They didn't move but all that meant was that he had to weaken them slowly. He hoped he had the time.
From the sounds of things the Sorcerer King was coming here. If he could get free then maybe he could end this. He didn't have [Ghost Reaver] but he was still Godkin. He could kill the undead. It might cost his life, but it would be worth it. All he needed was the chance.
He really didn't notice time passing but one thing he did notice was that not one of the speakers said anything against the Sorcerer King. They were saying plenty against him and the Slane Theocracy and it had been a fight to control his usual reaction to that, but there was absolutely nothing said against the undead. That was unusual. Even in the most dedicated group of employees there were always some slight gripes. He knew that himself with the Black Scripture. He had no doubt about any of the Scripture's loyalty but even they complained. Usually as they rode out into the middle of enemy territory.
But there was nothing. No one, and no creature was that loyal. Especially demihumans. He knew that. In fact, they were worse. Strength alone determined their loyalty. Strength, the will to use it, violence and fear. That was their life, and their loyalty. Yet nothing here spoke a single word against the undead king.
Seraiah was tempted to shake his head but that would only tell them he was awake. There was one other explanation for the lack of expressed disgruntlement. It made more sense. They must fear the Sorcerer King that much. When he destroyed the undead, while they would kill him, he'd be freeing them as well. Ungrateful wretches.
Even though he was listening to the chatter, he was still surprised when a woman's voice called out. "All kneel in the presence of our Master, the Supreme Being, Ainz Ooal Gown!"
The conversations instantly stopped and there was a rustle of movement. Nothing pushed at him. That meant they thought he was still unconscious, though he could tell from the way he was tied up that even if they wanted, he couldn't be made to kneel. He tested the bonds again. They still didn't move.
Footsteps seemed loud in the silence. Since he was focusing on his hearing, and it was better than a normal human's, Seraiah could tell there was a small group entering with the undead. That made sense. The undead was a magic caster, he would need bodyguards, even in his domain. While it was certain the undead could outfight anyone if he had access to his magic, a demihuman living in that much fear probably wouldn't go for a frontal strike. Not that he could blame them.
There were at least five with the Sorcerer King. He was well guarded. "You may rise." That was the undead. If you didn't know what he was, Seraiah admitted his voice sounded regal. Strong and sure. He sounded like a ruler you could trust. It just reinforced that this particular undead was gifted, and controlled enough to ensure it could maintain these fictions.
Again there was a rustle. The Captain of the Black Scripture thought it was the creatures rising.
"You are gathered today so that all might recognise the contribution of those who fought against the Slane Theocracy."
For a moment, Seraiah felt cold. It wasn't physical, it was in his soul. He had been defeated but surely the Theocracy still stood. Zetsumei would not have lost! Sure the undead had escaped but the Halfling wouldn't have been defeated. She was far too strong for that.
"The Theocracy remains," the undead continued. Seraiah felt relief. "But they are gutted, and are nothing more than a paper warrior, one we will blow away at our leisure."
His unease returned. He did not like the sound of that. No! He reminded himself forcefully. He was in the undead's lair, so of course it was going to speak confidently. That didn't mean it spoke the truth!
"My Lord, several of our guests are awake," a woman interrupted. Her voice was sweet but there was a hint of strength in it, like honeyed wine. The sweetness of the honey often covered how strong the wine really was.
The undead didn't say anything but Seraiah felt something pull at his head. He jerked back and felt something pulled off. For a moment he kept his eyes closed before he cracked them open carefully. The light wasn't strong. That was a relief. He opened them fully.
Seraiah looked around. The room was opulent. Most of the light was focused forwards, leaving the sides and ceiling shrouded in shadow. He didn't get the impression it was a dingy shadow though. This was by choice. There were banners hanging from the ceiling. He recognised the effect. He had seen it in other Kingdoms. This was a throne room. It was traditional to display the banners of trusted retainers or defeated enemies. Given that these banners were in good condition, he thought it was the first. He couldn't see any of the sigils that well but knew he probably wouldn't recognise them.
He was bound facing a magnificent throne. Its structure took up the entire wall and seemed to be the definition of Thrones. It was beautiful and it seemed wrong that an undead should possess such a thing of power but it did. It was seated there. The white of its bones stark against the darkness of the material that made the throne. Its gold staff hovered next to it and there were others standing on the dais. Seraiah quickly turned his attention away from that sight, looking surreptitiously at his immediate surroundings.
He'd been right about the initial speakers, those he had been listening to. There was a group of monsters in front of him, between him and the undead. He recognised some but others were… they were all unbelievable. He looked past them, up towards the undead, and froze.
He felt his eyes widen. He felt his heartbeat falter. That wasn't possible. It couldn't be. His breath came in short gasps. There, standing on the dais, looking at him with bright red eyes was the Vampire. He'd never forget her inhuman features, her white hair and red eyes. She appeared to be laughing at him. "It's not possible," Seraiah whispered.
The Dark Adventurer Momon had killed her. The Theocracy had checked that fact carefully. The damage at the site where they had left the partially mind controlled vampire was evidence enough of the ferocity of the battle. She couldn't be standing there. She just couldn't be!
It was only then that he registered her dress. He felt sick. The vampire seemed to glow with a white light. It wasn't just from her pale skin and hair, it was from the dress she was wearing. It was pure white with an exquisite rendition of a dragon sinuously picked out in gold thread on the front. He knew that dress. Lady Kaire had been wearing it. The [Downfall of Castle and Country.]
"It's not possible," Seraiah whispered again, resisting the urge to convulse. Restrained as he was, he would only further hurt himself.
The Vampire set her red eyes upon him. She smiled. It was not a pleasant expression. What was going on here? How was she alive? Wait… Momon wasn't human. Xhafer had said that. They hadn't had the chance to test it. But if the vampire was here, did that meant that Momon was truly serving the Undead? What did that mean for E-Rantel? What did it mean for him? Or was Momon just an act from the undead? They had appeared practically at the same time. There was so much he didn't know.
"I assure you, I did kill her." The voice came from the side.
Seraiah's head jerked to the side. He stared. The Dark Adventurer Momon stood there. His black armour seemed to blend with the shadows that were on the sides of this room.
"But Shalltear Bloodfallen is one of my precious Guardians, and thus I resurrected her." That was the undead.
Seraiah didn't take his eyes from the Adamantite Adventurer. He was trying to remember when … No, Momon wasn't bound to the service of the Sorcerer King until long after his battle with the Vampire. "Why?" he whispered the question. He didn't know what he was asking. He didn't know who he was questioning. Nothing made sense any more.
He couldn't see the Adventurer's face but it seemed as if Momon smiled as he stepped forward. He stood before the dais. "Of course I let the Supreme Being Ainz Ooal Gown resurrect Shalltear Bloodfallen." The armoured head inclined towards the vampire. "She is one of my precious comrades."
"No!" The Captain of the Black Scripture's eyes flew to the vampire. She wasn't denying the statement. He looked to the Sorcerer King. The undead was sitting in his magnificent throne simply watching the developments. It was probably enjoying the anguish caused by this scene.
"No. That's not possible." Except he was seeing the evidence with his own eyes. The vampire was there, wearing Lady Kaire's dress. It was an abomination. Momon was also there, standing relaxed before the undead. Seraiah could almost see strings coming from the skeletal hands, making them all dance to its tune. Except the vampire and Momon didn't need to be forced.
"You have much to learn," the undead said.
Seraiah stared. It was dressed richly, like some parody of a king but this was no laughing matter. He strained at the bonds, making no move to hide his attempts.
"Lummox!" One of the other women standing on the dais snorted. There appeared to be only women standing on the dais with the Sorcerer King. With Momon standing at the foot of the dais, it just reinforced his belief that the undead was afraid of men. "Those bindings will not break!" There was the unspoken truth that even if they did, he would not be strong or fast enough to do anything to the undead even if he got free. None of the creatures here would allow it, whether from true loyalty or fear, he didn't know. It wouldn't matter.
He had to try.
"Shalltear, as promised, I will have what remains of the Black Scripture delivered to you shortly," the undead announced.
"Thank you, Master," the vampire said. There was genuine thankfulness in her voice along with an ill-concealed lust. Seraiah shuddered. Somehow the vampire really did love, in as much as any of the undead could, her master.
"Though not their Extra Seat," the undead continued, raising one finger to add emphasis. "She will be delivered to Aura."
The Captain of the Black Scripture felt instantly sick. Everything else didn't matter. He did convulse but there was nothing in his stomach to come up. It didn't stop the feeling and his stomach ached. Zetsumei couldn't have been defeated. That was an even greater impossibility than the vampire standing there.
"Of course Master. That trash is for Aura's enjoyment," the vampire smiled.
"It's not possible!" Seraiah roared.
It brought the attention of everyone. The undead chuckled before it raised one hand from the throne's armrest. "Show him," it instructed.
There was motion to his side. It was only then that the Captain of the Black Scripture really got an impression of how many people were restrained here. It was more than he thought. A thin, almost human looking creature, dressed in a suit stepped into view. If not for the tail, and pointed ears he could have walked through any human town. Seraiah didn't know what it was. It reached out with gloved hands, pulling someone forward. They were still unconscious but he recognised the silver and black hair of Zetsumei.
"No!" he breathed the denial. The scene didn't change. The creature smiled.
"I am sure Aura is looking forward to spending time with her," the creature said, addressing the undead. Its tail lashed behind it. Seraiah could see that it was metallic but he had never heard of a creature like that. How many different species had the undead forced to serve it?
"Indeed," the undead agreed as the creature released Zetsumei. She disappeared back into the line of those restrained. Now that Seraiah looked he could see that the Cardinals were also here, but they were still unconscious.
"Moving on," the undead shifted its gaze in obvious dismissal. "Momon, could you please return to E-Rantel to ensure that the Empire's Knight, Leinas is not getting into trouble?"
It was phrased as a question but Seraiah knew an order when he heard it.
"Of course, Your Majesty," the Adventurer said with a bow.
The Captain of the Black Scripture looked at him. He looked human, he sounded human but there were a lot of demihumans who fit that description if they wanted. The vampire was one… Momon was just another but he had no idea what type… Unfortunately he knew the game the undead was playing. It would not end well for E-Rantel. Seraiah could only hope that was all it didn't end well for. By the slick sickness in his throat, he knew it wasn't going to end well for many, many more people. The Theocracy included.
He had no idea what he could do about it. No. He had to wait. He had to be patient. An opportunity would arise and then he would have to take advantage of it. Completely take advantage of it, no matter the cost.
"Fluder," the undead continued.
An old man stepped forward. Seraiah didn't recognise them but from the name, and several descriptions he had heard, he knew who it had to be. Fluder Paradyne, the former Court Wizard of the Baharuth Empire.
"Your Majesty," the man bowed his head deeply before looking up at the undead with a gaze that bordered on worship.
"While it will interrupt your studies, I need you to prepare the ceremony to heal Aura."
The old man shook his head. "Of course, Your Majesty. I will do so immediately."
"Very good," the undead nodded. "I will have several further magic books prepared for you," it said.
Ah, so that was how the undead was controlling Fluder. He was a shallow man. The Theocracy had known he was dedicated to the pursuit of magic but Seraiah knew they hadn't realised he was so easily swayed. In hindsight it was obvious.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Fluder was so obsequiously sycophantic it was sickening. This was different from Momon, who was pretending to be Human and who had probably been put in place by the undead. That would be revealed to be a brutal betrayal but once you understood that Momon wasn't human, it made it inevitable. Fluder was human but he was prepared to so easily sell his soul.
The undead waved away the thanks turning towards a group of women who were also standing before the dais. They were all dressed as maids. Seraiah recognized them. They were the maids who had fought against the other Godkin in the Square.
"Yuri Alpha, the Pleiades Maids have done well," the undead said. "Please name your reward," it invited.
One of the women stepped forward. She was tall and had black hair that was confined in a bun. Glasses were across her eyes and she pushed them up with a gentle gesture as she bowed to the undead. "To serve is its own reward, Master," she said in a submissive voice, "but I believe there are several trinkets we would wish to claim."
"Name them," the undead said. It sounded generous. Seraiah knew that none of them would ask for freedom. They already knew it would kill them if they did that. Its control over its so called followers seemed to be absolute. How much fear did they endure?
"I believe Solution and CZ2128 would like to claim some of the weapons that were used in the Square."
"I have promised Cocytus his choice of weapons from the Theocracy," the undead said, "but assuming he does not wish the same weapon, I am happy for that choice, if that is truly what they wish."
Two of the woman nodded. "Might I ask which ones?" The undead sounded genuinely interested.
"I wish to claim the [Tribute of Silence]," the blonde maid said. Her figure was generously lush but there was a hard edge in her tone.
"[Unseen Cunning]," one of the other women said. She was as beautiful as the other maids, though the accents on her uniform were in a camouflage pattern.
"They would both be complementary to your skills," the undead agreed.
"We will coordinate with Cocytus," the blonde woman indicated with a deep bow.
"If there is a clash, please let me know."
"Of course, Master."
"Lupusregina?" the undead asked, turning to another of the maids. This one had long hair confined in two braids.
"I don't know, Master!" She almost chirped. "May I tell you later?"
The Captain of the Black Scripture would have thought that such a response would earn punishment from the undead. It simply waved one hand. "Of course," it agreed, turning to another maid. "Entoma?"
"I. Want. Her. Voice!" The words were inhuman. It was the first monster Seraiah had heard speak here that displayed its true nature.
The undead seemed to understand the request. It nodded. "That may be sooner than you think. You will be chosen for any mission in that," it told the maid. "In the meantime, I will have several appropriate meals delivered to you."
"Master?" The monster seemed surprised. Seraiah knew what the undead meant by meals. He didn't want to think about it.
"You have earned it."
"You are too generous, Master!"
The undead again waved away the praise. "Narberal?" It appeared to be referring to the severe woman. Her hair was black and her skin was fair. She was stunningly beautiful, except for the expression on her face. It appeared displeased. Seraiah had no idea what she was displeased with.
"Master, I would wish to remove a copy of [Hon no Henkei] from Ashurbanipal."
The undead seemed surprised at that request, but not unhappy.
"You are ready?"
"I believe so. I will of course gather the necessary materials to replace it."
Seraiah noticed the way the other maids seemed to be looking at her with something akin to pride. They might appear human but they were monsters. Why were they proud? What did they have to be proud of?
"Narberal, that is not so much a reward as a requirement, and something to be celebrated," the undead said. "You may of course have the use of the [Hon no Henkei]," it allowed.
"Then Master," the first maid spoke, stepping forward slightly. "I request permission to accompany Narberal on her mission to replace the materials."
"That is not necessary, Yuri!"
"I want to," she replied.
"It is not much of a reward, but you may," the undead said.
"Thank you, Master," the original maid said.
The undead shook its head in a way that Seraiah would interpret as faint disbelief, as if it couldn't believe that such trifles were all its servants wanted.
"We will celebrate your advancement," the undead said.
Celebrate advancement? Seraiah frowned.
"It's only one level, Master," the maid objected.
"It is the first level gained in this new world," the undead countered. "Moving from a Level 1 to Level 2 Doppelganger is something we will all celebrate!" he told her firmly. "You do not need to replace [Hon no Henkei]."
Now, the Captain of the Black Scripture understood. He didn't like his understanding and he had never heard that demihumans needed objects to help them advance their strength.
"I wish to Master. I do not wish to reduce the valuable resources of Nazarick," the maid said evenly.
"Using them for advancement is not a reduction but a gain for us all," the undead said waving away any further comment from the maid as he turned to the elf that had been standing their silently. "Mare?"
The Captain of the Black Scripture recognised the elf. It was the same one who had defeated him.
The elf took a step towards the undead. "Master, the ceremony you are having Fluder prepare is to heal Aura?" the statement was phrased as a question.
"Yes."
"Then that is all the reward I need. I just want my sister back."
Seraiah could understand that. Elves were perhaps the most human like of all demihumans, so he could understand the elf's desire. He didn't agree with Dominic's actions but they had happened and the Theocracy had to deal with the greater threat. And that was the undead. The elf girl was just an unfortunate casualty. He was sure that despite the act, the undead didn't care.
"It will be soon, Mare."
"Thank you, My Lord."
"And Albedo?" The undead turned to the woman who standing the closest to him. She was dressed in a white dress that had black features accentuating her hips and waist. She looked like an impossibly beautiful woman but the Captain of the Black Scripture knew she wasn't from the horns sprouting from her head, and her cat like yellow eyes. "It cannot have been easy for you to hold back so that you did not damage the woman."
Wait… was this the woman Zesshi had been fighting? She seemed too slight, to fragile. But she was a monster. That meant her strength wasn't human. She seemed surprised by the undead's question and actually appeared to squirm on the spot. Watching that, Seraiah realised that the feathers were actually wings. That meant she had to be a succubus. That explained why she was so beautiful. Those infidels were inhumanely beautiful so as to ensnare unwary men.
"Ano, my Lord," she actually blushed. The others were looking at her oddly. The Captain of the Black Scripture gathered this was not her normal reaction. "In the hallway. Outside my room when you…" She trailed off, looking down at her hands. Nervously she pressed two fingers together to make an arch. "Could you?" There was a hopeful note in her voice.
For a moment the undead seemed surprised, then it appeared to be embarrassed. It recovered quickly. "Of course," it said and that seemed to settle the matter.
It didn't for Seraiah. He had no idea what was going on. All he felt was sick and he couldn't shake the feeling that somehow things were about to get worse.
"Now, I suppose I should speak to the Cardinals. It is time they realised the depth of their sin. Wake them up."
The woman recovered from her embarrassment and nodded to those standing near Seraiah. "Why do you follow it?" he demanded before they could do anything.
All eyes turned to him. Seraiah lifted his head defiantly, as if he wasn't restrained. "Why do you follow it?" He demanded again, fixing his eyes on those who were standing on the dais. "It is undead! It is incapable of caring for the living! It is good at acting but its hatred is evident. It is a misandrist!"
Most of those on the dais looked confused. Most of those standing before the dais looked confused as well.
"Uneducated demihumans," the Captain of the Black Scripture muttered. "It hates men!" he explained.
His explanation did not get the reaction he expected. Instead of understanding, the monsters standing there just looked even more confused. Several of them stared at the elf.
From the corner of his eye, Seraiah saw the tailed creature walk forward. It appeared to be male and had a sly smile on its features. "You believe that our Master hates men?" the creature asked.
"It is obvious!" Seraiah yelled. He didn't want to discuss that really. What he wanted them to see that it was undead and it could not like the living. It was acting like it did, and it was doing that well but it did not truly care. It could not. If they could see that… Most thought demihumans were stupid. The Captain of the Black Scripture knew they weren't. They just didn't have the same value systems as Humans. They bowed too readily to strength. They were driven by their emotions.
Now they were being driven by fear. The undead was powerful and if it was just another demihuman then he could understand why they followed it. That was the way they were. But an undead… Demihumans should have fought it as well. They were alive. Well, maybe the vampire wouldn't. She was undead as well, just a different type. Or were they like Jircniv? That thought occurred to him. Were these demihumans serving the undead in the hope that it would not strike at them?
That was a short sighted gamble. It may not strike them today, but it would tomorrow. It was only a matter of time.
Some of those on the dais laughed. It was quickly controlled. Seraiah looked at the undead. It was still calm. He couldn't tell what it was thinking, though there were several on the dais still looking at the elf. Its mismatched eyes were staring at him. "Our Master does not hate men," the elf said.
"Yet it only allows women near it!" He yelled back.
The elf tilted her head as she examined him. It made her look adorable in her dress. She was still wearing those mismatched gauntlets which were clutching her staff. "You do know I am male?" the elf questioned.
"What?" The Captain of the Black Scripture burst out, staring at the elf. There was no way she was a he.
The others on the dais chuckled.
Why did the elf dress that way if it was male? Did it have no shame? Or was it queer?
He shook his head, it didn't matter. "It is still undead," he insisted.
"Our Master is the Supreme Being Ainz Ooal Gown, the leader of the Forty One Supreme Beings of the Great Tomb of Nazarick," the winged succubus announced. "He is our Absolute Ruler."
"It is undead!"
The creature from earlier had come up to him while he had been focusing on those on the dais. The shock from the blow was heavier than it should have been. Seraiah tasted blood. Whatever the creature was, it was strong. Interestingly, the vampire glared at the tailed creature.
"He is our master," the tailed being said.
The undead just watched. It made no move to restrain its servants.
"Leave it," the succubus said haughtily. "The simpleton is not capable of understanding."
"It is undead! Why do you not feel its hatred for the living?" Seraiah objected. He could handle far more pain that a simple blow.
"Lord Ainz is a Supreme Being. To compare him to a mere undead is sacrilege."
"Ignore him," the undead finally spoke. "I am sure Shalltear will enjoy educating the Captain of the Black Scripture about the truths of Nazarick," it said.
"Of course, Master!" The vampire smiled at the suggestion. "I will make sure they are all properly educated!" She announced.
"You act well, undead, but one day someone will see through you!" Seraiah declared. He hoped, for the sake of humanity, that the day came soon.
The undead seemed to sigh. "You believe I act? You believe that I do not care?" It sounded vaguely insulted.
The Captain of the Black Scripture was surprised. He had never heard an undead display emotion. They were always coldly logical, at least they were so long as you understood their goals.
"Of course I care. Every single being within Nazarick, and Nazarick itself was made by my friends. The inhabitants of Nazarick are their children and I will protect them. As such, I feel Aura's pain and it repulses me to know that your Theocracy, a state which proclaims that it is good and just, were the ones to inflict such upon her." The undead's free hand closed into a fist. Seraiah saw the flash of rings adorning each finger.
"You are less than human for that crime but what compounds it is that I know you would do worse if I let you. I will not let you. The Theocracy will not touch another of Nazarick. It is within my power to ensure that, and I will. Your belief is irrelevant and born of your ignorance."
"You are undead! You cannot care for the living!" Seraiah said again. He felt like he was just repeating that sentence. But it was the truth, why couldn't they see that.
"Did your Lord Surshanna hate the living?"
The question took him by surprise. "Do not bring the Gods into this!" Seraiah hissed.
"Did your Lord Surshanna hate the living?" the undead repeated the question.
Seraiah looked down for a moment. He shook his head. "He did not." He had read the records from the Theocracy's early days. They made it clear that they had worshipped Lord Surshanna out of fear, to ensure that the undead did not strike them down. But they also made it clear that Lord Surshanna displayed no overt hatred for the living. He had sacrificed himself against the Eight Greed Kings for the benefit of the Theocracy. That was not the actions of a true undead.
The undead nodded at his response. "I come from the same realm as Surshanna," it announced. "Though his was undoubtedly a lesser form."
"What?" That was impossible. This undead was powerful but it couldn't come from the same realm as Surshanna. It could not have descended to them!
"Your lack of faith does not change reality," the undead told him.
Seraiah stared. That couldn't be true. If it was, then that meant that the undead was not merely powerful, he was a God. The title Supreme Being that his servants attached to his name was not merely flattery. No… That wasn't possible. Why would such a god exist? Except… he knew the Eight Greed Kings supposedly had the same power as the Gods. They could have come from the same realm.
The undead unclenched its fist before waving its hand in obvious dismissal. Seraiah didn't know what to do. If the undead's servants believed that the undead came from that realm then there is no way their faith could be turned. But how had it gotten that knowledge… or was it really the truth? He gulped and shook his head. That didn't matter. His goal had not changed. All he needed was a chance to strike. Even if it didn't come now.
"I think it is time to wake the Cardinals," the undead announced. "Demiurge, if you would?"
The tailed creature bowed, before stepping away from him. Seraiah just watched. For now, that was all he could do. He had to trust in his Gods, that they would give him the chance to strike. As the undead said, he just had to have faith.
-cos-
There is some artwork to accompany this chapter. It's of something that will give the Theocracy nightmares! And no it's not of Ainz but of Shalltear. See my profile for a link to the image. :D Special thanks to the artist, keel keel.
I'm really hoping the Throne of Kings is comfy as Ainz will be sitting there a while going through this. He did rewards this time, now he has to talk to those Cardinals he captured. Religious folk like to talk.
Review please! I like hearing from people and you get to see something of the next chapter sooner! Yay made it, thank you